When should patients seek help for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain in Bend? TMJ is a condition that affects the joint connecting the jaw to the skull, specifically the temporomandibular joint. TMJ can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from grind or clenching of teeth, traumatic injury like whiplash, or even arthritis. Patients usually experience symptoms such as pain or discomfort when moving the jaw, difficulty chewing, jaw locking, clicking, or popping sounds. The symptoms are typical to many conditions, so when should patients seek medical treatment to address the issue in Bend?
Know the Symptoms
In order to know when to seek help for TMJ, patients must be able to recognize the symptoms. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may be suffering from TMJ disorder:
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, or shoulder
- Difficulty moving the jaw or having trouble opening mouth
- Clicking, popping, grating sounds when moving the jaw
- Changes in bite or teeth alignment
- Swelling of the face or jaw
- Difficulty chewing, eating, or food getting caught
- Headaches, ear pain, dizziness, or ringing in the ears
- Symptoms getting worse when stressed or taking certain actions like yawning, laughing, or chewing
Why Should Patients Seek Help for TMJ in Bend?
Patients should seek help for TMJ in Bend when the symptoms interfere with everyday life. For many, TMJ symptoms are infrequent and can be managed using over-the-counter pain relievers, heat or ice, stress reduction techniques, dietary changes or relaxation exercises. However, for some, painful symptoms can disrupt sleep, limit ability to talk or eat, hinder productivity and cause emotional stress and anxiety. Severe TMJ, also known as myofascial pain, occurs when muscles and connective tissues are affected by the condition. If left untreated, myofascial pain can become chronic and lead to long-term complications.
Persistent, disabling or chronic TMJ symptoms may require professional evaluation and treatment. A provider who specializes in addressing TMJ-related conditions can help patients determine the source of their discomfort and offer the appropriate treatment to alleviate painful symptoms.
Expert TMJ Treatment in Bend
Whether you are experiencing mild or severe TMJ symptoms, seeking care from a specialized provider in Bend can help to reduce discomfort and improve quality of life. At Bend Oral & Facial Surgery, we understand the unique aspects of TMJ-related conditions and offer advanced treatment options including oral medications, custom bite guards, physical therapy, stress management techniques, and more. Our skilled staff is experienced in creating a personalized treatment plan that addresses the needs and goals of each individual patient.
Don’t let TMJ pain hold you back from living life to the fullest. If you are experiencing symptoms, schedule an appointment at Bend Oral & Facial Surgery. Our experienced team of providers will work with you to diagnose the source of your discomfort and provide the most effective care to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Give us a call today to get started!